News

Brennan limits bus competition to 10% of routes

SEAMUS BRENNAN, the transport minister, will open less than 10% of the existing bus network to competition. The climbdown from the original plan to open up 25% of existing routes to competition comes in the face of the threat of industrial action over the government’s privatisation plans for Dublin Bus.

Brennan is continuing to insist that 25% of routes should be privatised but, significantly, this figure will comprise “existing and new” routes. This allows new routes to account for the lion’s share of the target. Brennan is hoping the compromise will assuage union anger and persuade workers to call off their next strike, planned for March 18.

Meetings are continuing between union representatives and Department of Transport officials to discuss the various options available. The final percentage breakdown between the new and existing routes has yet to be finalised but Brennan’s compromise proposal is based on the need for improved